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Conference Spotlight
2026 Nuclear Energy Conference & Expo (NECX)
August 24–27, 2026
Dallas, TX|Hilton Anatole
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The human factor in licensing and operating the next generation of nuclear plants
As human factors specialists working at the intersection of human performance and nuclear operations, we are witnessing one of the nuclear sector’s most significant transitions in decades. The emergence of small modular reactors, microreactors, and other advanced designs is reshaping the industry’s landscape. Digital instrumentation and controls, passive safety systems, and increased automation are creating opportunities for greater safety margins and more flexible operation. These same features also fundamentally redefine what it means to “operate” a nuclear plant. Interactions among human roles, automation, and passive systems shape how people maintain awareness, exercise judgment, and intervene when necessary. These developments affect both operational realities and the regulatory foundations on which nuclear safety is built.
1:00–2:00PM EST
Panel
Session Chair: Troy Munro
Session Chairs: Brea Grischkat, Alisha Kasam-Griffith
Session Chair: Dan Carleton
Session Organizers: Chris Breed, Matt Wargon
2:00–2:15PM EST
Session Chairs: Kelsey Aumundson, Patrick Snouffer
2:15–3:15PM EST
Session Chair: Kelsey Aumundson
3:15–5:00PM EST
Session Chairs: Patrick Snouffer, Kelsey Aumundson
5:15–6:15PM EST
Session Chairs: Matt Jasica, Ishita Trivedi
Session Chairs: Patrick Snouffer, Kelsey Amundson
10:00–11:00AM EST
Session Chair: Matt Jasica
Session Chair: Kelsey Amundson
Session Chairs: Julie McCallum, Matt Crozat
Session Chairs: Steve Amundson, Jenae Armstrong, Sarah Laderman, Bridget Carter
11:00–11:05AM EST
11:05AM–12:05PM EST
Session Chair: Julie McCallum|Alternate Chair: Harsh Desai
12:10–1:10PM EST
Session Chair: Will Searight|Alternate Chair: Julie McCallum
Session Chair: Alexandra Siwy
1:25–2:25PM EST
Session Chairs: Jillian Newmyer, Evan Gonzalez
Session Chair: Miriam Kreher
2:25–3:00PM EST
Session Chairs: Kelsey Amundson, Patrick Snouffer
